**Updated 23rd March 2023
Youth sports provide an opportunity for children to develop important skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, while also promoting physical activity and healthy living. However, parents’ role in supporting their child’s sporting journey can make a significant impact on the child’s experience. In this blog post, we explore the various styles that youth sports parents could demonstrate while supporting their children through their respective sporting journeys. Additionally, we examine key strategies that coaches and organisations can use to create the best possible environment for the child to excel and enjoy their sporting experiences. Finally, we explore how National Governing Bodies can further support coaches with this.
Styles of Youth Sports Parents:
Youth sports parents can adopt different styles when supporting their child’s sporting journey. There are four primary styles of youth sports parents: the cheerleader, the pusher, the bystander, and the coach.
- The Cheerleader: This type of parent is enthusiastic and supportive of their child, regardless of the outcome of the game or competition. They are focused on their child’s enjoyment of the sport and celebrate their child’s efforts, not just the results.
- The Pusher: The pusher is a parent who is focused on their child’s success and achievement in the sport. They may pressure their child to win or excel and may be critical of their child’s performance or effort.
- The Bystander: The bystander parent is disengaged from their child’s sporting journey. They may attend games or competitions but are not actively involved in their child’s training or development.
- The Coach: The coach’s parent is heavily involved in their child’s sporting journey. They may coach their child’s team or be highly involved in the organisation. This type of parent can be beneficial, but it’s essential to maintain a healthy boundary between parent and coach.
Strategies for Coaches and Organisations:
Coaches and organisations must work with parents to ensure that children have a positive and enjoyable experience in sports. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:
- Education: Coaches and organisations can educate parents on the importance of a positive and enjoyable experience for their child. This education can include workshops, seminars, or informational materials.
- Communication: Communication is key to creating a positive environment. Coaches and organisations must communicate openly and regularly with parents, providing feedback and updates on their child’s progress and development.
- Role Clarity: Coaches and organisations must define their roles and expectations for parents, ensuring that everyone understands their responsibilities and boundaries.
- Encourage Participation: Coaches and organisations should encourage parents to participate in the sport, whether it be as a volunteer, spectators, or even a coach.
National Governing Bodies (NGBs) can provide additional support to coaches when it comes to managing and further supporting youth sports parents. One strategy is to offer training and resources to coaches on effective communication strategies with parents. This training can include tips on how to manage difficult conversations, how to set clear boundaries and expectations with parents, and how to handle conflicts that may arise.
NGBs can also create clear guidelines and policies for parents to follow, such as codes of conduct, which outline acceptable behaviour during practices and games. These guidelines can also include consequences for parents who do not follow them, such as removal from games or even suspension from the team.
NGBs can provide a platform for parents to give feedback and express concerns about their child’s sporting experience. By offering an avenue for constructive feedback, NGBs can help coaches and organizations make necessary adjustments to improve the overall experience for the child and their family.
The different styles of youth sports parenting can have a significant impact on a child’s sporting journey. Coaches and organisations can play a critical role in creating a positive environment by prioritising communication with parents and providing clear guidelines and policies. NGBs can further support coaches by offering training and resources on effective communication strategies and creating a platform for constructive feedback from parents.
An infographic produced by ‘The Sporting Resource’ utilises the work of Swansea University to provide guidance on how coaches and organisations can support youth sports parents. The following strategies are recommended to ensure that parents have a positive experience while supporting their children’s sporting journey:
Building a support network is crucial in providing engaging and honest discussions to support every role within the sporting environment. Coaches and organisations should take steps to positively impact parents’ and children’s experiences while also helping them cope with adversities. The demands of sports can have a profound effect on parents, children, and the entire family. Coaches must provide a clear picture of what to expect and offer coping strategies to help them navigate these challenges.
The emotional release associated with watching children competing can become overwhelming for parents, making it challenging to manage their emotions. Therefore, strategies should be put in place to make it a more satisfying experience for all. This can be achieved through open communication, offering emotional support, and creating a positive environment that encourages healthy emotional expression.
Individual learning is also critical, and parents should engage and interact with various stakeholders to gain valuable insights that can positively impact their experience and their children. Sharing knowledge is an essential aspect of this learning process. Since a large percentage of parents primarily learn through trial and error, sharing knowledge with parents can significantly influence their levels of support, emotions, and behaviours.
Effective communication between the Athletic Triangle – coaches, parents, and children – is vital. Parents should be encouraged to collaborate within the athletic environment and offer input that aligns with the developmental approach. This collaboration will promote a positive experience for everyone involved, creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and development for the child and the parents.
Summary:
- Youth sports provide an opportunity for children to develop important skills, but parents’ role in supporting their child’s sporting journey can make a significant impact on the child’s experience.
- There are four primary styles of youth sports parents: the cheerleader, the pusher, the bystander, and the coach.
- Coaches and organisations must work with parents to ensure that children have a positive and enjoyable experience in sports.
- Strategies for coaches and organisations include education, communication, role clarity, and encouraging participation.
- National Governing Bodies (NGBs) can provide additional support to coaches when it comes to managing and further supporting youth sports parents.
- NGBs can offer training and resources to coaches on effective communication strategies with parents and create clear guidelines and policies for parents to follow.
- NGBs can provide a platform for parents to give feedback and express concerns about their child’s sporting experience.
- Building a support network, managing emotions, individual learning, and effective communication are essential strategies for coaches and organisations to support youth sports parents.
Thank you – Diolch yn fawr
The Sporting Resource
The Sporting Resource 